Most rosters will changes about 25% on average. A lot of good players on the list. Some will try to get NFL tryout deals but most will stay where they are at or try to head for their hometown if they are canadian. The imports will go for the best deal they can get $$$ wise if not signed by their present team. James Franklin the backup QB of the Eskimos should be highly sought after if he doesn’t get a NFL deal.

Lists are long as CFL contracts are only for 2 years so these long lists happen often. 75% will resign with their current teams the other 25% will sign with another team, try the NFL or be looking for work come June. Franklin saw next to no action this year. Punishment by the Eskimos because he would sign longer term last year. He will sign with a new team, but can’t seem him going to the NFL with his lack of playing time.

No way Franklin goes to the mess in Mtl. He needs to impress & get the stats to get attention from NFL. He wants to sign a 1 year deal & try the US. Has got some tryouts already but probably back in the CFL in 2018. With Hervey in BC & Jennings having an escape clause & 4 tryouts in NFL scheduled, that would be a tempting place to play. TSN has said that Franklin is looking at multiple offers. The wild card? Eskimos will trade his rights for a draft choice prior to free agency which gives a team 1st crack. This happened with Reilly who promptly signed. Jones did same with Durant who promptly signed before free agency. Jones’ problem is Franklin wants to negotiate a starting position. If Jones signs Bridge, & Glenn still signed as well as Adams lurking, there’s too much uncertainty. Why go there when he can be a clear #1? Ray may not come back & TO wants a young starter & Ray as backup, Harris wants too much money & the press is already after the RB’s to sign Franklin. Too tough to call. Esks would rather send him East so we’ll see.

lol the Riders have 0 x0 x0 x0 interst in Collaros,lol only a eastern bias jerk would even thing a possibility , Collaros is DONE DONE DONE , and Jones would NEVER pay 500K plus for a has been/never was !!!!!!!

Like who? Dennis, maybe. That’s about it. He got Carter for a steal, Glenn for half of what Durant cost, re-signed Roosevelt under market value, LaBatte extended for less than market. Who are these mythical “number of players”?

He got Carterfor a steal because a) his agent couldn’t find a spot for him in the US & b) his salary, 1/2 of his Als salary, was still too much for any other team. The low salary shows how little interet there was on the CFL for his services. Do you think he would have gone to Riders if someone offered him more money?

@greenenvy? – First, I didn’t say there wasn’t mitigating circumstances, simply that he was a steal. Secondly, he may have. There is no definitive way to say otherwise, as he did sign in Sask and there were reports on this very website that he received offers from at least two other teams. The fact remains, he signed in Sask for slightly more than Caleb Holley will receive next season. And that’s a steal.

I agree with dispassionate rider fan, horsee. The only player I recall that he overpaid for was Dennis. Why do you think Jones had a rotating door for talent? Furthermore, I believe the Riders are seriously interested in James Franklin as I’ve said for the past few years, and Franklin is interested in playing for Chris Jones and the Riders provided he is designated as the No: 1 quarterback in camp and has the contract to prove that. So the naysayers that say Franklin isn’t going to be a Roughrider, we shall see.

hmmmmm!! Signing Franklin under the condition that he is named gauranted #1 starter I think is a misstep. I fail to see what Franklin has done that has abundantly overshadowed Bridges accomplishments this past year.( Noted If Bridge is resigned he also should not be the guaranteed #1 ) Whom ever the Riders do sign , I feel should have to compete with all Qb’s under contract for the starters job. Pressure makes the cream rise to the top, and I think the players will ralley to the person showing the best poise /talent and leadership/accountability. Open competition , who knows maybe Adam’s or Williams get great off season coaching – mature a bit more and become the best choices by playing lights out in the pre-season. No one realy knew who the hec Doubles was in 2008-2009 and a run of 3 cup appearances plus returning the franchise to the upperechalon of the CFL , is what that once unknown did !!! Magic can strike twice… P.S Rickey Ray was delivering potatoe chips before he had a great camp witht he esks!!! 4 GC for himlater that worked out well for an unknown!!!

What has Franklin done more than Bridge? Bridge has thrown 16 more career passes, has the same # of TDs & 4 more interceptions in not a lot of throws ie his TD:INT ratio is much worse. In college Franklin was a top 4 recruited prospect in the US, hsd a 63% completion % vs 50% for Bridges. Franklin was also an MVP in one Bowl game & led Missouri to a Cotton Bowl. He’s a pure passer, Bridge is inaccurate. Neither of them is a guaranteed #1 but Franklin has shown a lot more than Bridge with almost identical time played. He’s a much more polished product.

Thanks greneenvey , admit I have not done any homework on Franklin , so your argument is well thought out . I guess I somewhat favor Bridge as he is Canadian — and if /// being a big if , the ratio rules change , CDN at QB may give the Riders or whoever Bridge winds up with a huge advantage ratio wise if managed well. Jones I think pointed out Bridge form a Rider perspective has been given a “must do— inporve on list for the off season ” if he wants them to consider him seriously as a starter . One would think, much like they tried with DD, a off season throwing coach is the #1 priority!!! I think as a puer athlete Bridge just might be atouch better then Franklin,(like his Cam Neuton size and escape ability. But a you point out , Franklin might have the edge in pure qb passer iq, aka Bradey esk, —- not that either Bridge or Franklin are on that NFL level its just a philosophical qb point in using the NFL names. TIme will tell what happens , as well as what other teams do with their offers. Who knows,as bizzar as it might sound we could wind up with Harris or Jennings depending on what moves are made and $$$$$.

What about Harris back to Argos if Ray retires? Is the love-in over in Ottawa? Toronto gets a year, two at most from RR if he comes back, and a team has to project farther than two years with their QBs. Zack would mesh into an Argos offence that’s built for an immobile pocket passer. Cats may have to release him, ’cause nobody’s picking up that contract!

He should be considered as a replacement for Bo Levi. Now that’s a possibility. Wouldn’t that be something, horsee, if Bo Levi was traded to the Riders due to his poor season? Then again, Chris Jones probably wouldn’t be interested due to trade value for a lesser quantity.

Dumb comment. With the exception of Edmonton, I’m sure every GM in this league would take Bo in a heartbeat. Jones would pull his offer to Bridge in a flash if he could have Bo. You know it, I know it!!

Jennings is Wally’s boy so you’re right Lancaster. But Jennings has an out & has workouts scheduled in the US. If he sticks, unlikely I’d say, Franklin will be a target for sure. Franklin will go where he has the best chance to start & succeed. That leaves out Riders if they sign Bridge & have Glenn & Adams there as well. Even the Leader Post said Jones is probably prepared to load the Binks truck for him. But that publication & TSN concede Jones has a problem if he signs Bridge as it takes Riders out of the picture. Since Rider Nation seem to think there is little difference between Bridge & Franklin while still convinced JF will land in Regina, there is a bit of a disconnect there, Lancaster, no? As you say he wants to start. Why go to compete with his “equal”? Rider Nation can’t have it both ways. TSN & CFL insiders seem to understand this.

Not all rider fans are sure that bridge can be the starter. He has shown some good abilities, and some not so good abilities. If brandon re-signs with the riders, it wont be at perceived starter money. If franklin doesnt think he could compete with bridge, then i would be worried about his abilities. Every team that wants franklin will also have 1or 2 young guys vying for the top spot. I doubt Franklin would be too worried about glenn since kevin can be considered an insurance policy against injury.
I am not confident that franklin will sign with the riders as a number of teams are interested, but then, they all have established qbs right now, so unless someone cuts free their 2017 starter, riders have as good a chance as anyone.

Only CFL rookies have to sign a two year contract. After that, the veterans can sign one year contracts, no options. That changed a few years ago. That is why the free agent lists have gotten so long because a lot of vets don’t commit to more than a one year contract.

The extended FA list can/does act as a fast track talent equalizer /// meaning a better competitive balance for teams that missed the playoffs and have identified areas of weakness that can be fixed quickly by the right free agent signing . Here as we all know is where being able to manage your salary cap correctly having the right coaches in place and accurately assessing talent makes the difference , see Argos/Riders as examples form last season !!! So that is HOW a long FA list helps the league regarding competitive balance between teams in a gate driven league.

Doubtful the Riders will take a run at signing both Bridge and Franklin , probably will be a either or thing, possibly being resolved soon as Riders web sight has indicated Riders negotiating currently with Bridge who would like to stay. So musical chairs will be Glenn/Adams/Williams (all under contract) /1 of Franklin or Bridge. No Vince Young ( or Collaros posing as a washed up Vince clone) appearance this year , lol .

I guess part of that would be how confident is he in his abilities? If he truly believes he can be a starter, why would he worry about competition? Throw in if he likes jones and the coaching staff, then why wouldnt he sign with the riders?

Agreed Lancaster/Reed , looking at our history , our best Qb’s came in with nothing guaranteed, Lancaster years and years ago after being the odd guy out in Ottawa, AUtin coming in mid season after falling short on his NFL dream. Both those guys worked out pretty well for us and had to WIN the job!!! If Franklin IS our guy then I for one as a fan WANT his hard pressed to win the job and handed NOTHING!!! same for Bridge or whom ever !!! Cite Harris in Ottawa being handed the job, so far , seems they want more fomr him !!!

If there was no competition for his services, that would make sense. But besides Regina (source Leader Post) & Als, Ottawa (Citizen), Argos (Ray possible retirement/want to go younger @ QB) & BC (Jennings out clause & NFL interest) are interested. It has been reported for quite some time by TSN that Franklin will have multiple suitors & get paid well. Franklin himself, as a veteran, can sign for 1 year & that’s his intent. A big payday may change his mind.

Good points Greenonions , true any player will parlay their I guess I am just old school in thinking you need to earn what you get , and at this point Both Bridge // Franklin are unproven as the penultimate team leader for a full season. I guess time will tell, I feel both are worthy of the opportunity to lead a team , and it will be great fun discussing the decisions that were made regarding both men at this point next year!!! The total irony might be that they face each other in the Grey Cup as starters for which ever team they lead, or both are the starting qb’s of the two teams with the worst record in the league, ergo the beauty of live sport , we wont know till sometime next year what was the better choice if any !!!

It’s interesting that Rider fans seem to find all kinds of reasons for Franklin to come to Sask. Why would he get into a competition, which would involve a lower salary if he loses the competition, if a team offers him a starting position which comes with a higher salary? If he’s confident in his abilities why go to Sask, for example, to compete with Bridge, Adams & Williams who Rider faithful all hold in high regard, when he would be a guaranteed starter in, say, Mtl? That’s ignoring the fact there are other teams who might show interest.

Montreal still has durant, toronto still has ray, hamilton still has collaros and masoli, ottawa still has harris. If any of these teams dump their starter, they might be Frankiln’s destination. That also counts for the riders.

Does anyone believe Durant is the starter in Mtl in 2018? ONLY if they can’t get anyone else. Durant hasn’t had a good season in 3 years & I can’t see Durant if, for instance, Murphy does go to Mtl. As for Ray, Popp paid a 1st round choice to get unproven Adams. It is also true that the Argos offered a packet of draft choices for Collaros while Ray was playing for them. They want to go younger. Isn’t it curious that Ray hinted at returning & then a few days later is “seriously considering retiring”. Ray has not been approached by the Argos all season, despite his stats, for a contract extension. They want to go younger with Collaros or a guy like Franklin who comes cheaper. Ray retiring would solve some problems as they can then go that way without looking like they dumped the reigning East MOP. This is the 1st season in 4 Ray has been healthy & isn’t getting younger. You’re playing with fire bringing him back despite his great year IMHO.

Pantsonfire. Im just saying that franklin is probably less likely to sign with a team while they still have a high profile starting qb. If montreal releases durant ( and why wouldnt they), then i can see franklin signing with them. But say, if the rider release both bridge and glenn ( or maybe just bridge) , frankiln might sign with the riders. First team to make a bold move might have the inside track. Its most likely, though, someone will trade for him and try to negotiate a deal in private.

NO pantson fire , for me as a Rider fan , I am NOT saying Franklin is a for sure Rider selection , I in fact doubt he will even come close to being a Rider !!! I think Jones is a smart cap manager , he might like to have Franklin but not at all costs!!!, Jones has another SEC QB in Marquise Williams already on his roster, assuming Jones. favors American Qb’s and most of all SEC qb’s. Like most Rider fans and I would say all fans of CFL teams Ijust want the best possible QB handling my teams offence that fits into a team structured salary cap that can win a Grey Cup. Jones has shown without a doubt that his belief is building the best all round team possible within a master salary cap plan, I believe that is what he will stick to , and which ever QB fits his cap structure best – compromizes his whole team outlook the least will be our QB next season and moving forward. I have no delusions Franklin will sign with the Riders just because he loves Jones, the Riders , the color green or Regina !!! for that matter nor will Bridge !!

It’s not only Rider fans. Media is fueling the fire. But we all know Jones has a past with James Franklin. And it’s a good past. Read the comments. Most are suggesting from Green Zone, etc. it could be “either” Bridge or Franklin based on the aggressiveness of Chris Jones and his penchant for not blinking when signing players to a contract. And yes, I’m certain other teams are in the fray as well.

Again fly in the proverbial Franklin Ointment is Esk’s having control of Franklin’s contract till Feburary as pointed out . From a Riders perspective , the asking price for Rights to Franklin pre Feburary might be to high for Jones / Rider’s master plan!!!! Esk organization is one of the best in the league at managing assets soooo for that reason alone I am a bit cautious regarding Franklin as well. Highly doubtful Franklin gets to the point of true FA, but again with that said the team trading for rights would want a almost certain assurance Franklin wants to sign with them. No use giving up assets for a 1 and done signing !!! or retire and try the NFL .

Agreed, Jefferson is OUR guy !!!! Other positions such as QB/Receiver/DB have tons of options based on lists above . A couple names form the list catch my fancy : would like Demski, Steel and Campbell back ; would like to entice Zac Evans , Ciante Evans, Jagared Davis to switch jerseys from that list .

None.
Half that list missed at least portions of the season anyway. Everyone on this list replaced someone else who was really good. Any guy not resigned on that list will simply be replaced by another. Like always.
Next season BLM will be a “must have” although we may be able to replace him. And Alex Singleton will be an important resign next year.

Messam is a ratio breaker. Meaning he is a starting caliber Canadian playing a position traditionally played by imports. Calgary has started 8-9 Canadians most games so they can afford to make this an import position again. Check out what Terry Williams did when he started in a game for us earlier this year. Besides that Messam will be 33 next season. He plays a position were age catches up! Next season we will add Tunde Adeleke to the starting defensive mix furthering our Canadian stating depth.
Messam will be missed however because of his blocking abilities. Look for Calgary to shore up the line by offering Dan Clark an opportunity in Feb.

Despite his totals, I don’t see Messam in Calgary next year. Want more controversy. I don’t see Carter in Regina, nor in the NFL. I’m surprised the MOP choice out of there isn’t in the conversation. Hard to pick one player from a team. How about these from the West – Wpg – Leggett, Riders – Jefferson tops but already signed, no argument there, Esks have 37 free agents largely because of all the injuries so they signed a bunch. I have to say Grymes, Stamps – Campbell, BC – Arcenaux. Agree with Getfits – we need a big name DT like Laing, Laurent or local boy Evans. Got to have Bruce Campbell back.

Thankfully Hamilton only has 17 pending FAs this year – lowest in league. Sure wouldn’t want to be Sunderland in Edmonton! Even with a lower number I still see about 4-5 as “must signs” but tops for me are Tasker and Banks. Shorthill, Capicciotti and Atkinson also important for ratio reasons.

What player in their right mind would want to sign with a perennial 4th or 5th place team like the sliders?like seriously I would want to go to a team who has a Grey Cup shot year after year and that definitely is NOT the sliders.

Soooooo, what im hearing is you dont know enough about your team ,or the cfl in general, to offer an actual opinion on a player you think your team needs to keep. Just curious, how many cups has your team won in the past decade or two?

If you’re talking about Franklin the biggest obstacle in Regina is, as mentioned a few times, the plethora of QB’s – not the team. i think Franklin has the confidence to compete with others but why sign with s team like Riders if Glenn, Bridge & Adams are there, especially with Jones’ penchant for switching when things aren’t going well? I don’t think the mess in Mtl would scare him if he got offered big $$$ to be the #1 & the added bonus is, if he brings the Als bsck to relevance by excelling, all the more good for his resume for sn NFL shot. Franklin wants to start, full stop. He’ll get several offers & he likely takes the one which gives him the best chance to do that. If you’ve got Bridge, Glenn, Adams & Williams on your roster, that says to him you’re an option. He’s been there, done that. If Jones wants Franklin bad enough, it’s up to him to show him & clear the deck. Franklin’s the free agent. It’s not up to him to show Jones he is “worthy” of the Riders. It’s up to Jones to show Franklin they want him.